Sunday morning with Karkit Bajoria
To learn proposal writing and discuss book reading with Kartik Bajoria and Jugjiv Singh.
Key Takeaways
Frame requests as opportunities: Present your need as a valuable opportunity for the recipient, not a subservient request.
Use a 5-part structure: A proposal should include Context, Proposition, Recipient Advantages, Preemptive Solutions, and a “Big Idea” conclusion.
Predict and solve problems upfront: Address potential recipient concerns directly in the proposal to demonstrate foresight and save time.
Adopt a “parallel career” mindset: Turn negative self-talk (“I can’t”) into a concrete goal (“I will”) to overcome inertia and pursue dreams.
Topics
Proposal Writing Strategy
Core Principle: Convert requests into opportunities for the recipient.
Key Elements:
Context: Provide relevant background to justify the request.
Proposition: State the request clearly and concisely.
Recipient Advantages: Detail 2–3 unique benefits for the recipient.
Preemptive Solutions: Address potential problems before they are raised.
Big Idea: Frame the proposal as part of a larger, meaningful movement.
Practical Tips:
Tone: Communicate on equal terms; avoid subservient language.
Language: Use cautious phrasing (“great likelihood”) instead of promises, as emails are legal documents.
Format: Use simple salutations (“Dear Sir/Ma’am”) and sign-offs (“Regards”).
Case Study: Tennis Academy Proposal
Scenario: Propose a 10-day coaching camp to the Mahesh Bhupati Tennis Academy.
Brainstormed Ideas:
Context: New school courts, rising student interest, and local players succeeding on the international stage.
Recipient Advantages: Access new markets (e.g., smaller towns) and recruit future talent.
Preemptive Solutions:
Concern: Low student turnout → Solution: Invite other local schools.
Concern: Poor infrastructure → Solution: Highlight recently built, world-class courts.
Concern: High resource investment → Solution: Offer school faculty to assist coaches.
Book Reading: “What You’re Looking For is in the Library”
Plot: Ryo, an accounts clerk, dreams of opening an antique shop but lacks the courage.
Key Learnings from Yasuhara (bookshop owner):
Parallel Careers: A second job provides mental fulfilment, making the primary job less burdensome.
Courage of Conviction: Act on your beliefs, even when difficult.
“Turn the Don’t into a Goal”: Reframe negative self-talk into a concrete objective.
Start Now: Don’t wait for the “right time”; connections and opportunities arise from action.
Next Steps
All Participants:
Write a reflection on the session’s takeaways.
Send reflections to Manisha Khanna for publication on the website.
Research: How much of a plant’s mass is in its roots?
Manisha Khanna:
Publish submitted reflections on the website.
Kartik:
Lead an in-person session at the April 10-14 My Good School Retreat.
FATHOM AI-generated summary, read with care.
